Cecilia I. Johnstone Award

The Cecilia I. Johnstone Award was established in 2007 to recognize women who have achieved professional excellence in their field and influenced other women to pursue legal careers, supported other women in career advancement or opened doors for women lawyers in a variety of job settings that historically were closed to them.  It is named to honour an outstanding lawyer, judge, CBA President, woman and friend who passed away April 15, 2006.

ELIGIBILITY

The individual has achieved professional excellence in her field and influenced other women to pursue legal careers, supported other women in career advancement or opened doors for women lawyers in a variety of job settings that historically were closed to them.

The Award is open to CBA members and will not be given posthumously. 

Members of the National Women Lawyers’ Forum Executive are not eligible to receive the award.

CRITERIA

Candidates should demonstrate the following:

  • the highest standards of professional conduct
  • a high level of leadership in the community; and
  • a history of dedication to advancing and supporting other women in law.

PRESENTATION

The award is presented bi-annually at the WLF Leadership Conference. 

NOMINATION PROCEDURE

  • Nominations must take the form of a letter stating reasons for the candidate's nomination, including a description of her exemplary performance and/or service; the time frame involved, and the impact the performance or service had on the nominator and/or the profession;
  • The nominee's written consent and curriculum vitae must be included with the nomination;
  • The full name, mailing address, telephone number (including cell phone) and email address, as well as years in practice, of both the nominee and the nominator shall be included with the nomination;
  • Each nomination shall include up to three reference letters (including name, title, phone number and email address) from persons familiar with the nominee’s performance and suitability for the award. The references need not be CBA members; however, the person nominating the nominee must be a CBA member.
  • Completed nominations must be submitted online and include all above noted documents.

Recent Winner

  • 2023 - Myrna McCallum (North Vancouver, BC)
  • 2021 - Jacqueline A.St.Hill, Q.C (Winnipeg, MB)
  • 2019 - Daphne E. Dumont,  C.M., Q.C(Charlottetown, PEI)

​​Read our Interview with Daphne Dumont

Previous Winners